Brown-necked Raven
Corvus ruficollis
Large and black, almost as big as Common Raven. Its namesake brown neck is only visible at close range in specific lighting conditions. Bill is slightly thinner, tail shorter and less wedge-shaped, and the call is less deep and throaty compared to Common Raven. Found exclusively in arid zones where it breeds on cliffs, trees, and pylons. Moves around in pairs or small groups, but may congregate at abundant food sources in larger groups.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Corvus ruficollis
- Authority
- Lesson, RP, 1831
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Corvidae
- Genus
- Corvus
Range and habitat
This species has a wide range across virtually the whole of North Africa, down as far as Kenya, the Arabian Peninsula and up into the Greater Middle East and southern Iran. It lives in a predominantly desert environment visiting oases and palm groves.<p>Food consists of a wide range of items, including carrion, snakes, locusts and other grasshoppers, stranded fish (in coastal areas), grain stolen from bags, dates and other fruits. It is quite fearless when not persecuted but is quick to become wary and shy if too much attention is paid to it. A 2009 Israeli study showed the species to cooperatively hunt lizards, with birds blocking exits while others hunted.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Rufous-tailed Plantcutter
Phytotoma rara
Distinctive bird found in varied wooded and semiopen habitats, from town gardens to meadows and bogs in Andean foothills. Often seen perched on roadside wires. Generally sluggish—like an avian sloth. Feeds on new leaves, flowers, and often cuts grass on lawns! Handsome male is striking, with bright rusty underparts, white wing patches, and ruby-red eyes. Female is much plainer with streaked underparts and ruby-red eyes. Rufous band on base of tail is often hard to see.
Black-lored Babbler
Turdoides sharpei
Dull brownish babbler with a pale eye. Generally darkly streaked and blotched below, but a subspecies in central Kenya can show a white throat and variable white markings on the underparts. Found in a range of open habitats, including savanna, scrub, cultivation, and forest edge. Almost always in small groups, which feed by hopping across the ground. High-pitched raucous babbling call is frequently given, usually by a whole group in chorus. Similar to Arrow-marked and Brown Babblers, but separated by pale eyes.
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